For the third year in a row, the number of shootings on Illinois interstates has dropped. The Illinois State Police (ISP) is reporting interstate shootings statewide decreased 31% in 2024, compared to 2023. Since a record high in 2021, there has been a decrease in interstate shootings every year:
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• 31% decrease from 2023 to 2024
• 53% decrease from 2022 to 2024
• 71% decrease from 2021 to 2024
“The continued dedication of resources, including personnel, license plate readers, Air Ops, K9 units, and investigations, has allowed ISP to reduce crime on interstates and make roads safer,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Although our strategies for crime reduction continue to evolve, ISP’s commitment to protecting the public remains unwavering.”
In 2024, through patrol enforcement and special violent crime reduction missions, we saw a 7% decrease in fatal crashes, a 3% increase in illegal firearms seized, and a 24% increase in vehicles recovered.
The use of ISP Air Ops and Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) has been a game changer in identifying and tracking those committing crime, as well as reducing crashes. ISP uses its Air Ops to help track vehicles and individuals fleeing from officers, reducing the risk of a high speed pursuit that can result in a fatal crash. ISP also uses ALPRs, not only to assist in apprehending individuals in real time as the crime occurs, like a vehicle hijacking, but also during investigations. Special agents can use ALPRs to identify vehicles that may have been involved in or witnessed an interstate shooting and follow up with those individuals.
ISP’s crime fighting strategies will continue to evolve as crime evolves and we are committed to reducing shootings and fatalities, getting illegal guns and drugs off the streets, and preventing fatal crashes.
Stats like are fascinating in that they track how long it took society to return to normal post Covid.
Comment by SWSider Wednesday, Jan 15, 25 @ 11:53 am
I wonder if Director Kelley has thought about running for Durbins senate seat.
Comment by Blue Dog Wednesday, Jan 15, 25 @ 12:14 pm
ISP Air Ops and ALPRs play a key role. Good lesson in how to find criminals, prosecute and deter crime.
Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Jan 15, 25 @ 12:19 pm
I’m thankful for the good news, but I agree that there was a general trend of increased craziness during the pandemic that seems to be coming down now.
Comment by Three Dimensional Checkers Wednesday, Jan 15, 25 @ 12:23 pm
Air Ops are =very= useful. Unfortunately, Chicago’s weather isn’t as conducive to them as LA’s … .
Comment by Anyone Remember Wednesday, Jan 15, 25 @ 12:28 pm
Anecdotal, of course, but in central Illinois my own experience has been that solipsistic driving has become more prevalent since covid and hasn’t gone down. From surprise unsignalled lane changes to running red lights and speeding, to running loud exhausts, I see and hear it much more often now than before covid. Heck, a sheriff vehicle cut me off in traffic yesterday without a turn signal the other day. It’s rare for me to see any traffic stops these days.
Comment by Give Us Barrabbas Wednesday, Jan 15, 25 @ 12:52 pm
ISP needs an expansion. While the reductions of expressway shootings is a success story, we don’t see them in rural parts of the state.
They have proven that they are effective, make the investment.
Comment by Occasionally Moderated Wednesday, Jan 15, 25 @ 1:09 pm
The half dozen drivers who passed me on the shoulder, while I sat in slow expressway traffic last week, would seem to have their own opinions of the ISP.
Comment by West Sider Wednesday, Jan 15, 25 @ 1:22 pm
Good news is always good news, as my Grandpa used to say.
Comment by Friendly Bob Adams Wednesday, Jan 15, 25 @ 1:31 pm
Using cameras to read license plates is an interesting idea. Has the city considered using cameras to help in its shooting reduction strategy? sn/
Comment by Frida's Boss Wednesday, Jan 15, 25 @ 2:39 pm
- we don’t see them in rural parts of the state. -
I’m not sure where you’re at but I see plenty when I’m visiting where I’m from in Forgottonia. I can think of plenty of better things to spend money on than more ISP troopers.
Comment by Excitable Boy Wednesday, Jan 15, 25 @ 2:56 pm
I can hear air units tailing stolen and felonious vehicles on ISPERN in South Cook County on a regular basis. Arrests have been made within a few blocks of my house in the 60827. But arresting felons is only the first step; time to end failed catch-and-release policies, or all the cops on the beat are window dressing.
Comment by thisjustinagain Wednesday, Jan 15, 25 @ 6:12 pm